Podcast
HBHA Lore
Hosted by Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy · EN
HBHA Lore is your all-access pass to the stories, memories, and people that make Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy unforgettable. Hosted by Micah Margolies—HBHA alum, longtime teacher, and proud member of the community for nearly half the school’s history—each episode features a candid conversation with someone connected to HBHA past or present. From alumni and teachers to students and friends, guests share where life has taken them, their favorite HBHA moments, and the ways the school has shaped their journey.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 19: Rabbi David Helfand
3w ago01:11:17Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, join David and Micah as they talk about David's experience as a new senior rabbi at a Maryland congregation. They discuss his passion for storytelling as a way of exploring Jewish ideas and Jewish identity, the meaning he finds in various Jewish texts and prayers, and some of David's favorite formative experiences at HBHA. (Like blowing the Shofar for each prayer minyan each morning during the month of Elul, a tradition continued at HBHA to this day!)
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Episode 18: Kelly Reichman
Apr 2800:57:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, longtime art teacher Kelly Reichman shares stories from her time as a college singer (including a once-in-a-lifetime moment alongside a famous country music legend) and reflects on her nearly 30-year career teaching art at HBHA. We highlight some standout student artwork and explore how engaging in art supports the brain in unique ways. Kelly also offers her perspective on creativity, reminding us that being an artist is something everyone can access.
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Episode 17: The Bell Siblings
Apr 1501:29:03Tap to summarizeIn this lively episode, the Bell siblings take the mic to share stories, talents, and a lot of personality. Jacob dives into his surprisingly impressive skill as a cartographer, while Natalie reflects on the unique challenge of balancing medical training with life in ROTC. Madi brings us up to speed on her journey, wrapping up a Chemical Engineering degree at the University of Missouri. The episode is packed with throwbacks to each sibling’s time in the HBHA Upper School play. It all wraps up with a fun and competitive game of “Bell Most Likely,” where the siblings vote on who’s destined to become a Jeopardy champion, survive on a deserted island, etc. Be prepared for humor, nostalgia, and fun.
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Episode 16: Jordan Marks
Mar 3101:05:32Tap to summarizeJordan '08 Marks shares stories from his journey as an emergency room physician, from working on an ambulance to serving in New York City during the height of the COVID pandemic. He also brings us into his life at home, with the hilarious chaos of raising a toddler and twin babies. Along the way, we revisit some unforgettable HBHA memories. Hear about the time he hid in a very unexpected spot during class and a class trip to Israel, where he nearly got lost… only to be found in a surprising place thirty minutes later.
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Episode 15: Jacob Katz
Mar 1701:21:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn about Jacob's career as a filmmaker and editor since graduating from HBHA in 2016. Discover how HBHA nurtured his early passion for videography and editing, and hear a few funny stories along the way - including snippets from his video productions from his HBHA days to the present.
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Episode 14: Netta Krashin
Mar 300:58:22Tap to summarizeJoin us for a conversation with Netta Krashin, whose connection to HBHA spans more than three decades as a teacher, administrator, parent, and now grandparent. Netta shares her journey from early childhood in Israel to life in America, and reveals a surprising sport that showcases her unexpected passion and talent.Listeners will hear about some of her favorite school projects, including the beloved Presidents Fair, and learn how her roles at HBHA — from second-grade teacher to Director of Student Services — shaped generations of students.
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Episode 13: Daniel Magariel
Feb 1700:53:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with alumnus Daniel '02 Magariel to talk about the path from HBHA classrooms to publishing acclaimed novels.Daniel shares the story behind writing his two books, One of the Boys and Walk the Darkness Down, and reflects on the authors who shaped his voice and approach to storytelling. He also takes us behind the scenes of his latest novel, including his time working on a fishing boat.And of course, we revisit his HBHA roots: the teachers who challenged him, the moments that sparked his love of writing, and the memories that still stay with him.
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Episode 12: Tribute to Todd Clauer, z''l
Feb 200:39:13Tap to summarizeThis episode honors Todd Clauer, proud parent of three HBHA graduates and dedicated staff member for 25 years. He served HBHA as a Science & Math Teacher, Upper School Principal, College Guidance Counselor, and Cross Country Coach. His impact on the HBHA community is immeasurable, and he is dearly missed.
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Episode 11: Lara Krigel Pabst
Jan 2001:02:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Lara Krigel Pabst, HBHA Class of ’97 and current HBHA parent, for a conversation that spans career, community, and childhood memories.Lara reflects on her path in the legal field and her ongoing involvement on the boards of several Jewish organizations across the Kansas City area. She also shares stories from her own HBHA days, including a hilarious memory from her Chag Siddur celebration.
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Episode 10: Eliana Saidel
Jan 600:58:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, alumna Eliana '18 Saidel shares how her Jewish learning (and teaching!) has continued since graduation, her favorite spots around New York City, and which Broadway musical she’d love to star in. Plus, enjoy a clip from one of her standout HBHA performances in The Laramie Project and hear stories from her many other school plays.
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